Electrode holder



Dec. 14, 1943.

P. BOURQUE ELECTRODE HOLDER 3 Sheets-Sheet '1 Filed Oct. 27, 1941 1 I I a;

ISnventor I- /L'Li P Bozmq g WMOHWL! Dec. 14, 1943. P. BOURQUE 2,336,712

ELECTRODE HOLDER Filed Oct. 27, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 u 59 55 5b '70 3nvenor 1 P ILLI'P BouRQuz (Itto rneg Dec. 14, 1943. P. BOURQUE ELECTRODE HOLDER Filed Oct. 27, 1941 s Sheets-Sheet 3 w flu M M 1. w 9 2 W W s 19/ /9 M w 0 9 z w w Kw .L-\%1 M W I o M a w w 010.

w m 1 0 l 9 O I 8 m 7 9 O 9 8 5 8 Snnentox' px/L-m Bo Gttorneg Patented Dec. 14, 1943 Mfg. 00., Inc., Detroit,

Michigan Mich, a corporation of.

Application October 27, 1941, Serial No. 416,639

12 Claims.

My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in an electrode holder adapted for holding an electrode during an arc welding operprovided with a mechanism so arranged that" upon a movement of the'handle parts relative to each other to a predetermined position, a pair of clamping jaws may be rocked into clamping position. v

Another object of the invention is the provision, in an electrode holder of this class, of a pair of rockably mounted clamping jaws pivoted intermediate their ends and engaged, adjacent their rear ends, with an axially movable wedge member for forcing, through a relative movement of the rear ends of the jaws, a movement of the forward ends of the jaws into clamping relation.

Another object of the invention is the provision, in an electrode holder, having a. pair of clamping jaws pivoted intermediate their ends, or a handle section carrying a wedge member and so arranged that when moved axially the wedge member may engage'the rear ends of the Jaws and force them into clamping relation.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an electrode holder, of -a pair'of pivotally mounted clamping jaws for clamping an electrode therebetween, adjacent one end and provided with a spring normally tending to retain said jaws in separated relation.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an electrode holder having a handle comprising a forward'section and a rear section with a supporting mechanism mounted in the forward section for maintaining a pair of clamping jaws in rockable relation to each other'and having,

in the rear sectionof the handle, amechanism for moving, said jaws into clamping relation.

Other objects will appear hereinafter. It is recognized that various modificationsand- Weannsrbe made in the detail of structure illustrated and it is intended that such changes and modifications may be brought want:

' vide ahandle formed from suitable insulating scope of the claims appended hereto and forming a part hereof.

;Forming a part of the specification are drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal, central, vertical, sectional view of the invention showing parts in side elevation and with parts broken away.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2" of Fig. 1, slightly. enlarged.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, slightly enlarged.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, slightly enlarged sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing a fragment of the invention slightly enlarged with the jaws in open position. .V Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of a modified form of the inven- Fig: '7 is a fragmentary, longitudinal,-central, sectional view of a further modified form of the invention. I v

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. '7 taken at rightangles thereto.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of the invention showing a further modified a form.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged, sectional view taken on line Ill-l0 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a pair of laws used in the invention.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary, central, longitudinal, sectional view of a further modified form of the invention showing parts in side elevation.

r As shown in Fig. 1 1 have illustrated the invention embodying a nut-forming member ll projecting forwardly from which are side plates l8 and IS. A pair of clamping jaws formed from suitable metal and having the forward ends 20 and 20'. is pivotally mounted by means of the pins 2| and 2| on and between the plates l8 and H. The rear ends 22 and 22 of these jaws project rearwardly fromthe point of pivot. Mounted on the jaws 22 and 22' respectively are the' v springsand 23', these springs being attached at one end to the rear ends 22 and 22' of the laws and adapted normally to spring outwardly therefrom. Mounted on the forward ends 20 and 20"of these clamping jaws are plates 24 and 24" of suitable, insulating material. I promaterial such as fibre or the like 'and this handle comprises the forward section 25 and the rear section 28, Thenut 1 is fixedly mounted in the forward section II so that thepoints of pivot of the jaws are contained within the handle section 25. Fixedly mounted in the rear handle section 26 is a guide block 27 having a fiat faced passage or bore 28 formed therethrough.

of the clamping jaws and tends normally to separate the forward ends 45 and 45'.- of these clampin jaws,

A rear handle section 56 is provided and mount- A well or socket-bearing member 29 engages in ed inthis handle section 56 is a spreader head 52 the section 26 provided with the internally threaded socketi 30 in which may be threaded a 'jamb-nut 3| for clamping the'bared end 32 of an' electric conductor or cable 33 in the well.

secured in fixed relation thereto by the screw 5|. This spreader head 52 is provided with a suitable socket 52' in which the end of an electric conductor may be secured by soldering or in any other Suitable screws 34 serve to secure the'well 29 suitable manner. vThe forward part of the Projecting upwardly from and preferably integral with the well 28 is a fiat faced stem 35 carrying the screw 36 which threads through the nut spreader head 52 is formed conical to provide the spreader portion 54 which extends between the rear ends- 48 and 4.6" of the jaws. Formed .through this conical portion 54 is a threaded bore 11. Carried by this screw 36 and positioned forinto which the h d d portion of the stem wardly thereof is a substantially spherical h .42 threads. The construction is such that as the 31 which engages in a cavity 38 formed ina spreader block 38 which is provided on its forward face 4|) with an inclined surface so that as the spreader block 39'is thrust forwardly into engagement with the rear ends 22 and 22 of the jaws, these rear ends will be forced into separated relation against the compression of the springs 23 and 23 and the forward ends 26 and 26' of the jaws will be moved into engaging position.

The construction is such that the current carried by the cable 33 will be transmitted through the well 28, the stem and the screw 36 to the nut I1 and from the nut "through the pivot members 2| and 2| to the clamping jaws This current will also be transmitted through the bowl 31 and the block 39 to the rear ends 22 and22 of the jaws.

In order to move the jaws into clamping relation, as shown in Fig. 1, it is necessary for the 5 operator to hold the forward section 25 of the handle .while rotating the rear section 26 into which it is directed. This will thread the screw 36 into the nut i1 and force the spreader block forwardly of the rear ends 22 and 22' of the jaws, 40

thus spreading the rear ends apart and forcing the forward ends 26 and 26' into clamping relation. When the rear section 26 of'thehandle is relatively rotated in the opposite direction the -spreader block 39 will move to the right of Fig.

1, thus allowing the rear ends 22 and 22' of the jaws to move toward each other in response-to.

notedalso that the point of pivot is within the tube or forward section 25 of the handle and that the spring serves to move the clamping jaws apart instead of together. The springs 23 and 23' normally bear against the inner surface of the handle section 25.

In Fig. 6 I have shown a slightly modified form 60 of construction in which a forward handle section 4| is provided. A rod or stem42 is provided at its forward endwith the supporting head 43. A pin 44 extends through. this head 43 and serves handle section is rotated relatively to the handle section 4| in one direction, the cone part 54 of the spreader block .52 will move inwardly of the rear ends 46 and 48' of the jaws and serve 'to spread them apart against the tension of the spring. The reverse movement of the parts 56 and 4| will cause the cone to retract, thus permitting the spring 48 to move the rear ends 48 and 48, inwardly of each other to spread the clamping ends 45 and 45' apart. As the rear I ends 48 and 48 move toward each other they will, of course, ride along the inclined face 54 of the spreader block 52 so that contact will be maintained therewith. 1 It will be noted that the rear ends 48 and 46' extend beyond the end of the threaded portion of the stem 42 so that contact of thearms 46 and 48' with the face or the spreader block 52, which is of course formed from contacting material, will be maintained until the member 52 is threadedofi of the stem 42.= Thus the likelihood of having an are within the holder is eliminated.

In Fig. 7 I have indicated a different form of construction in whichI use a forward handle section 65having the reduced portion 56 adapted to ride in the cut-away portion 51 of the rear handle section 58 so that these handle sections overlap each other. Pivotally mounted by the pin 58 to the forward handle section are clamping. Jaws having the forwardly projecting clamping ends 66 and-6| and the rear ends 66' and 6| respectively.- It will be noted that in laws do not cross each other. In the form illustrated in Fig. 7 and in Fig. 8, however, the jaws do cross each other. In the form shown in Fig. l l and Fig. 6 when the rear ends of the jaws are spread apart the forward ends aremoved 'into clamping relation. In the form shown in Fig. '7 when the rear ends EDT and 6| are spread apart, the forward ends of the Jaws also spread apart and when the rear ends 66' and 6| are moved into approach, the forward or clamping ends 68 ,and 6| also move into approach. A hollow Ii. Projecting into this cavity are the rear ends 66' and 6| of the jaws. -This head H to retain at in fixed relation relatively tothe. carries a-rearwa 1y Projecting Stem-13 With a forward handle section 4|. A pair of clamping. laws 45 and 45 is provided which extend forward- 1y of the forward handle section 4| and which are provided with the lugs 46 and 46' respectivethreaded portion 13 threaded through the nut 14 which is fixed by the screw 15 to the rear handle section 68. A r'odfli' extended through the cavity of the head 5| serves to prevent rotaly through which extend pivot pins 41 and 41' 7 tion of this head relative to the rear endsof 66 respectively for pivotally mounting these clampand 6| of the jaws beyonda predetermined limit.

ing jaws on the head 43. The. rear ends 48 and The stem is suitably connected in any desired 48' of these clamping jaws embrace and extend beyond the threaded portion of the stem '42. A

manner by soidering or by a mechanical connection as shown in Fig. 1 to an electric conductor.

' spring 49 is connected to the rear ends 46 and 48" 7s The construction is such that as the handle secspreader head -'II is provided having the inclined inner surface 16 or cavity-formed in the head.

-other in one direction rotation of the sections 58 and 55 sections it and 55 will disengage tubular member as' m assavra the handle.

In the form shown in Fig. 9 I provide a forward handle section 11 having a metallic internally threadedring ll mounted thereon in iiiared relation thereto by means of the rivets mechanism embodying forward ends 80 and and Ii.

clamping jaws having the BI and the rear ends ll Positioned at opposite sides of these jaws are supporting plates" and II to which the jaws are pivoted intermediate their ends by means of the pins 84 and 85. Extended through the side walls It and 81 of the handle section 11 is a retaining bolt 88 which also passes through the side plates 82 and 83 and a bushing .01. Secured at their ends to the inner surfaces of the rear ends 80'and ll of the laws are leaf springs 88 and 90 which are connected together at their opposite ends and bowed so as to normally tend to approach each other, thus normally tending to separate the forward ends "and ii of the Jaws.

Mounted in the rear which is secured, by solder l2, thebared end 93 of the electric conductor 8, screws ll serving to retain the member 93' in fixed relation to the handle section II., A threaded portion 95 is formed on the member 93' forwardly of which'is the conical head or nose at which serves as a spreading member or wedge.

In operation, upon a relative rotation of the handle sections 11. and SI relatively to each other in one direction, the nose 96 will, through its engagement with the rear ends 80' and ll of the jaws, rock the jaws on their pivots so that the forward ends Ill and 8| move into closed relation, as shown in Fig.9, against the tension of the springs 89 and It. Upon reverse rota- 'tion of the, handle sections II and II the jaws at their forward ends it and. it will move out of engagement in response to the tension of the I springs 89 and 90.

In Fig. 12 I have showna structure resembling largely the structure illustrated in Fig. 9, but differing therefrom in certain respects. The

- parts which are identical bearing similarity to the parts shown in Fig. 9. The forward handle section 01 is provided with the cut-away, in-

ternally threaded portion llli into which threads the threaded reduced portion it! of the rear handle section 9!". Secured to this rear handle section it" by means of screws I" is a tubular member it" having the conical nose or head It. The electric conductor may be attached to the member 83" by solder or in any other suitable manner.

In the operation of Fig. 12 a relative rotation of the handle section lit and 91 will 'eflect a threading or unthreading of these sections to each other, resulting in an approach ornithhandle section 9| is 'a' drawal of the nose 9'' relatively to the ends of the rear ends It and ll of the jaws.

It is believed obvious that instead of the conical construction of the nose shown in Fig. '1 or in Fig. 9 a ball might be used satisfactorily. This thrusting member shown in the various views I may be referred to as a wedge member, whether it serves to spread the rearends of the jaws apart or draw them together. It will be noted in all of the forms that the structure to which the laws are attached is within the handle and that the spring serves to normally tend to spring the jaws to open position instead of closed position.

It will alsobe noted, as clearly shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 12, that the connector to which the cable is attached is entirely enclosed within the with this construction I use a clamping handle so that when the Jaw section is removed from the connector section the exposed metallic part to which the cable connects is protected against contact with some objects such as a grounded metallic part.

What I claim as new is:

1. In an electrode holder of the class described, a pair of jaws pivotally mounted intermediate their ends and adapted for movement into relative approach at their forward ends for gripping an electrode wire therebetween, upon movement of the rear ends of said jaws into relative approach; a tubular handle for supporting said jaws; means enclosed by said tubular handle movable into engagement with the rear ends of said jaws for forcing the forward ends thereof into relative approach.

2. In an electrode holder of the class described, a pair or jaws pivotally mounted intermediate their ends and movable at their forward ends into relative approach for gripping an electrode wire therebetween, the rear ends of said jaws moving into relative approach upon the movement of the forward ends of said jaws, into relativeapproach; a tubular handle for supporting said jaws and enclosing the rear ends thereof; and engagement means enclosed by said handle and movable relatively to and in engagement with the rear ends of said jaws for forcing the same into relative approach.

3. In an electrode holder of the class described,

' -a pair of jaws pivotally mounted intermediate their ends and movable at their forward ends into relative approach for gripping an electrode wire therebetween, the rear ends of said jaws moving I into relative approach upon themovement of the forward ends of said jaws, into relative approach; a tubular handle for supporting said jaws and enclosing the rear ends thereof; and engagement means enclosed by said handle and movable relatively to and in engagement with the rear ends of said jaws for forcing the same into relative approach, said handle comprising a pair of sections; and means operable upon relative rotation of said handle sections, for actuating said engagement means.

4. In-an electrode holder of the class described, a pair of jaws pivotally mounted intermediate their ends and movable at their forward ends into relative approach upon the spreading apart of their rear ends; a handle forsupporting said jaws, said handle comprising a forward section and a rear section; threaded means for securing said handle sections together; a spreading member carried by one or said handle sections and en-- gageable with the rear ends of and laws for spreading the sameapart upon relative of said handle sections in one direction.

rotation 5. In an electrode holder or the class described,

;a pair of jaws pivotally mounted intermediatetheir ends and movable at their forward ends into relative approach upon the spreading apart of their rear ends; a handle for supporting said jaws, said handle comprising a forward section and a rear section; securing means for securing said handle sections together; spreading means carried by the rear handle section engaging the closed within the other of said sections.

7. Inan electrode holder of the class described,

a handle comprising a pair of sections adaptedfor arrangement in alignment with each other;

an electrode gripping mechanism carried by and projecting forwardly beyond one of said sections; means carried by the other of said sections for connection to an electric conductor; an actuating mechanism for said gripping mechanism carried by said other of said sections for actuating said gripping mechanism and establishing electrical connection between the same and said connection means, said actuating mechanism and said connection means being entirely enclosed by said other of said sections.

'8. In an electrode holder of the class'described, a handle comprising a pair of sections adapted for arrangement in alignment with each other; means carried by and entirely enclosed within one of said sections for connection to an electric conductor; electrode engaging and supporting means carried by the other of said sections; and

approach upon release of the thrust delivered to said jaws by said wedge member;

10. An electrode holder of the class described,

comprising: a forward tubular handle section; a supporting structure mounted in said handle section; a pair of gripping members pivotally mount- I I ed intermediate their ends on said supporting gripping mechanism carried by and entirely enstructure, the forward portions of said jaws projecting forwardly beyond said handle section and the portion of said jaws rearwardly of the point of mounting being enclosed by said handle section; a rearward handle section in alignment withs aid forward handle section; threaded means for rotatively connecting said handle sections together; and a wedge member within and movable axially of said handle sections for engaging the rear ends of said jaws and effecting relative movement of the same.

11. An electrode holder of the class described; comprising: a forward tubular handle section; a supporting structure in said handle section; a pairof gripping jawsp'ivotally'mounted intermediate their ends on said supporting structure, said jaws rearwardly of the point of pivot being enclosed by said handle section and the forward ends of said jaws projecting forwardly beyond said handle section and movable into close ap -v proach for gripping an electrode therebetween; a rearward handle section in alignment with said forward section and rotatable relatively thereto;

threaded means for connecting said handle sections together; and means movable axially of said handle sections, upon relative rotation of the means for securing said sections together and establishing connection between said electric conductor connecting means and said electrode engagingand supporting means.

9.An electrode holder of the class described,

comprising: a forward tubular handle section; a

, normally urging the forward ends of said jaws same in one' direction, for forcing the forward ends of said jaws into relative approach.

12. In an electrode holder of the class described, a forward tubular handle section; 'a pair of gripping jaws pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on said handle section, the portion of said jaws rearwardly of said pivot extending within said section and the forward ends of said jaws projecting forwardly" beyond said handle section and being movable into relativeapproach for gripping an electrode therebetween; a rearward handle section in axial alignment with said forward section and rotatable relatively thereto; means enclosed within and axially movable of said handle sections for engaging the rear of said jaws and moving the forward ends of said jaws into relative approach -upon relative rotation'of said handle sections in one direction; and means into separated relation. I PHILIP BOURQUE. 

